Character Street: Find Your Favorite Character
May 23, 2022 By Michael Stigall
One of the things people notice about Japan is that cartoon characters here are very popular. From Hello Kitty to Pikachu to the local mascots that are just about everywhere, it is hard to find a place where characters are absent. I’ve been to mountains where they still have mascots...[ Click to read more ]
Kyodai Market: Tokyo’s Latin American Market
By Michael Stigall
For a long time, the place to go for food from Latin America was a shop in Gotanda called Mundo Latino. That shop has sadly closed but luckily Kyodai Market has opened a few years ago in basically the same location. Located in the same building as the Brazilian and...[ Click to read more ]
International Supermarkets in Tokyo
Apr 25, 2022 By Michael Stigall
Japanese food is celebrated worldwide as one of the premier global cuisines. You could even consider yourself lucky to live in such a country where the food quality is held in such high regard. But for all of the many wonderful charms that make up Japanese cooking, sometimes you just...[ Click to read more ]
Must See Shrines and Temples of Tokyo
By Michael Stigall
Many of Japan’s most famous shrines and temples are in the old capital of Kyoto. While not as historic as the city it replaced as the nation’s political, social, and economic base, Tokyo still has plenty of beautiful and important shrines and temples – hundreds even. Below is a selection...[ Click to read more ]
Japanese Public Libraries for the Non-Japanese Reader
By Michael Stigall
After a while, you’ll notice the sheer amount of bookstores and reading materials there seem to be in Japan. While print media has been declining in the West, with the occasional revival, physical books and media are still very much a thing in Japan. Part of the reason may be...[ Click to read more ]
Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum
Apr 22, 2022 By Jason Gatewood
Whether you only know about ramen in its instant, cup-o-noodles variety or are a true fan who can tell the difference between shoyu and tonkotsu-based ramen by smell alone, perhaps you'll agree: Ramen is so good, it should be in a museum. Well, you're in luck -- there is a...[ Click to read more ]
Tokyo’s Zoos
Mar 31, 2022 By Michael Stigall
As spring thankfully arrives, it's time to abandon the confines of the indoors and embrace the glorious outdoors before that stifling summer heat reclaims the land. One great way to enjoy the fresh air while entertaining the family is to take them out to one of the city's zoos. There...[ Click to read more ]
Top 5 Spring Hiking Destinations in Japan
By Michael Stigall
With 73% of Japan's landmass being mountains, there's plenty of selection for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. There is absolutely gorgeous terrain to hike throughout the country, and every region boasts its famous peaks or hikes. Of course, some popular standouts are worth repeat visits, like Mount Fuji. But if you're...[ Click to read more ]
Golfing Around Tokyo
By Michael Stigall
Being so filled with people, one could be forgiven for thinking that Tokyo is not the best place to spoil a good walk, to paraphrase Mark Twain. However, there are many fantastic and world-class golf courses around the capital. Of course, there are many roof-top driving ranges where you can hammer...[ Click to read more ]
Do I Amuse You? Japan’s Best Amusement Parks
Mar 24, 2022 By Bert Wishart
As far back as I remember, I always loved going to amusement parks, and fortunately for me, the Japanese are as crazy for rollercoasters as I am. Japan has some of the best theme parks in the world, and according to Statista, in 2020, some 31 million people visited, which...[ Click to read more ]
